ACC Commissioner Launches Pay No Bribe Campaign In Kono District
The Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Ady Macauley Esq., on Monday 2nd October, 2017 officially launched the Pay No Bribe (PNB) campaign in Kono District. The PNB in the first phase had targeted, Western Area Urban and Rural, Bombali, Bo and Kenema Districts. (Photo: ACC Commissioner, Ady Macauley Esq. making a passionate speech at the launch.)
In his keynote address at the District Council Hall, Koidu City, Mr. Macauley called on all Sierra Leoneans to fight bribery and petty corruption very seriously, stating that their consequences are debilitating. He thanked the Department for International Development (DFID) for the support provided to the ACC in the implementation of the PNB and assured that the ACC will play its part to ensuring a successful implementation of the campaign. Commissioner further commended the MDAs implementing the PNB and highlighted the astute and formidable leadership demonstrated by the Inspector General of Police (IG) Francis Munu as the SLP has dismissed and terminated police officers for various acts of corruption and malfeasance and instructed the dismantling of 23 illegal checkpoints nationwide.
The ACC boss emphasized that corruption is a global problem, and occurs in developed, developing and underdeveloped nations; but important is, how countries react to issues of corruption; noting Sierra Leone continues to excel in its strides to combat the menace. He further said, the negative consequence of corruption in the education sector is dishonest and incompetent future workforce. Mr. Macauley used to occasion to emphasize that the ACC will deliver on its mandate, and solicited public cooperation and support. He apprised all of the Committee set up on Asset Declaration Regulation to strengthen asset declaration regime.
Welcoming dignitaries and guests, Chairman-Kono District Council, Richard Abdulraman Koninga pledged his fullest support to the PNB. On behalf of all the stakeholders in the District-Paramount Chiefs, MPs, and Councillors, he warmly welcomed PNB, ACC and partners; and all and sundry to Kono District.
Chairman of the event-Minister of State, East, Hon. Karamoh Kabba, in his opening statement, emphasized that good governance is key to attaining social democracy. He said, citizens must be ready to pay taxes so that public funds would be used for developmental purposes. Minister Kabba stated that the practice of naming and shaming of corrupt institutions and persons by the ACC should be seriously considered as persons would want to perpetrate corruption crimes with impunity. He registered Government’s unequivocal support and commitment to the fight against bribery and corruption in Sierra Leone.
The launched was spiced with a colourful theatre performance depicting the dangers of bribery on revenue mobilization and national security by the comedians of Kono District.
Speaking on behalf of DFID, Lynda Kerley-Interim Team Leader-Coffey International underscored, bribery makes poor people poorer, emphasizing whilst most attention is generally paid to grand corruption; small scale, petty bribery and corruption is pervasive in Sierra Leone.
Lynda stated that DFID fully endorses the PNB and supports its continued implementation and development. One key component of the programme has been the development of the PNB reporting platform with ACC specifically the 515 hotline, and the mobile APP, she furthered. She stressed that Sierra Leone can make immense strides in anti-corruption efforts and improving service delivery.
Executive Director NMJD, Abu Brima in his contribution said, ACC must pay equal attention to petty and grand corruption. He said, the public must support the Commission in addressing corruption issues nationwide. With bribery, service delivery is impaired and urged right holders to hold to account duty bearers in the provision of services due them. NMJD is the civil society organization working with ACC on the PNB in Kono district.
Sahr M.K Gbondo, Section Chief-Gbense Chiefdom, representing Paramount Chief Sahr Fengai Kaimanchendeh registered the support and commitment of all traditional authorities in the District to the PNB. He assured all that the PNB will receive the cooperation needed from members of the public in Koidu City and the chiefdoms.
Wilfred Bangura, Manager, Kono Office in his vote of thanks lauded the determination of the people of Kono in partnering with ACC to fight bribery.
The PNB is an online reporting platform which enables citizens to anonymously report incidents of bribery and petty corruption by calling 515 free on all networks, the PNB website; www.pnb.gov.sl, or on the mobile application in major languages to make their complaints
The PNB programme is funded with 4.7 million British pounds from UK aid, in direct financial support to the ACC and technical assistance provided by Coffey International.
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